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Brantford-Brant

Day of triumph for Crossing All Bridges

Imagine a place that opens new worlds to people who are stifled in a safe, but perhaps boring, cocoon.

It’s a place that provides friends for the friendless and gives meaning to long hours of sameness.

It’s a place that serves up knowledge for hungry minds and skills for eager fingers.

There’s no need to imagine such a place, for it exists in Brantford.

Crossing All Bridges is a little-known, underfunded place of mini-miracles that's blossoming despite the challenges it faces.

Designed for adults with developmental needs, the day program in the Brantwood Centre building on Bell Lane, urges people to try new things, stretch their wings and fly.

Those who never leave the shelter of their homes without a parent tend to bloom here, becoming more independent and outgoing.

On Friday, many of the centre's 42 client families toasted the grand opening of a new, larger, brighter facility that's ready to welcome even more clients to the place.

“This is truly an opportunity for (our clients),” said program director Linda Harbridge at the event.

“They're very engaged when they're here and they're continuously learning and moving toward a higher goal.”

Structured like a school with one hour activities, participants move from the bright library where they might work on reading, listening or printing, to the exciting craft room where wood-working tools are put to use creating Muskoka chairs for charity and paints and craft supplies give vent to great imaginations.

In a nearby classroom, simple math work helps clients to understand how to make purchases while the large kitchen is busy with people making a menu plan and preparing lunch.

A modern computer lab offers the chance for the students to play computer games or learn about email.

Andn the activities of the centre spill over from the actual rooms.

Participants use fitness equipment, get outside for recreation and visit the food bank, Red Cross or Participation House to volunteer.

“We used to be on the second floor (of the Brantwood Centre),” said Harbridge. “We were so cramped and had no where to grow. This is a much nicer, bigger environment with more light, more space and more opportunity and that's worth telling the community about.”

And the community responded.

Along with parents and family members of many clients, politicians and other stake-holders showed up for a grand opening that featured clients presenting gifts to each speaker and enjoying the theatrical release of balloons as the official ribbon was cut.

The program grew out of the concerns of a group of parents who saw opportunities for their children ending as they were pushed out of the public school system at age 18.

There were no day programs offered for adults with developmental needs and so a business plan was developed and Trillium Foundation funding sought and received.

For eight years, the program has struggled alone without any government funding.

“We're part of the United Way and we get some funding from the foundation and we have a golf-tournament,” says Harbridge, “but Crossing All Bridges would love to be able to open its doors to anyone and that means more funding.”

Currently, clients pay a “very reasonable” fee per day at the centre.

“I do like it here,” says Leslie, one of the regulars.

“Crossing All Bridges is good. They make good food. I go outdoors and have friends here. It's a lot of fun.”

Now in its ninth year, the program is on the cusp of change.

Politicians MP Phil McColeman – whose son Jordan is a regular at the centre – and MP Dave Levac were at the event and offered their support for future funding. Plus, the day is guaranteed to raise community awareness about what happens high on the hill of Bell Lane.